Male survivors

Cambridge Rape Crisis Centre recognises that the impacts of sexual violence are no less devastating for men and boys than for women and girls. We believe all survivors of sexual violence deserve specialist support, which is why we recommend male survivors contact an organisation who can provide this. Our counselling, helpline and email support services are specialist, dedicated to supporting women and girls.

We are happy to take an initial call or email from any male survivor and can provide information on support services in Cambridgeshire.

Our Independent Sexual Violence Advocates are able to support anyone, any age, background or gender, who has experienced sexual violence and has reported the crime or is considering engaging with the criminal justice system.

SurvivorsUK offers web and SMS chat services, along with specialist counselling in London. Their website has further information on their services, including a database of counsellors across the UK who can support male survivors.

Safeline offers telephone and email support for all survivors of sexual violence. They have a dedicated telephone support line for male survivors of rape and childhood sexual abuse. You can call them on 0808 800 5005.

Choices provides counselling services in Cambridge and the surrounding area to adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

Centre33 offers counselling and support to anyone aged 16-25 within Cambridgeshire.

Male Survivoris a consortium between several organisations dedicated to male survivors: Survivors Manchester, Survivors UK, Safeline and Mankind. They offer offers web chat and telephone support services as well as being a resource for location specific services.

Testimonials

There have been no intrusive questions. I don't have to mention details, which make me feel uncomfortable. Everyone is understanding and really friendly. I value that the support is free and in such a nice environment. Everyone believes you.

[Counselling gave me] a space in which I feel comfortable in talking about my emotions and memories.

[My counsellor] is fantastic! She is calm, empathetic, real in her responses. Her honesty and demeanour made it easier to get past my trust issues and get down to "work". The fact that the sessions are free made me feel like the time was a precious gift and therefore I had to use the time responsibly.

[My counsellor] was an incredible listener and gave me confidence for everyday life. Understanding the emotions surrounding rape was also useful.

My ISVA did so much for me and I couldn't have asked for more.

[I valued] having the support from a really nice counsellor. I felt safe and the help was amazing with coping strategies.

I feel more confident in talking about my problems instead of hiding them.

[My counsellor] was very supportive and understanding.

I only received counselling, but that was what I wanted and needed.

[The counselling was] a space to talk about my worries and insecurities surrounding abuse without it being difficult.

They are doing a great job offering support to rape victims in the community, make them open up about how they feel, it is great they are available to talk to, because they are something you do not want to discuss with family or friends. Just because we all think they will be judgemental.

I was able to talk to someone openly and not feel judged in any way.

[My ISVA] helped me all the way through the fight for justice, she is awesome - thanks to her I am still sane!

The feeling of isolation has subsided, just knowing there's someone who understands has made it easier to cope.

[Counselling] gave me the language to talk about my assault and the motivation to do so.

I am sad to be leaving today's session as I have truly made a massive step thanks to [my counsellor].

[Counselling] helped me to realise I had all the coping strategies there but just needed affirmation. I now believe in myself.

[The ISVA Navigator] was so helpful and lovely. She made me feel able to talk about how I was feeling and gave me all the possible options and services that are available to me.

[Because of the counselling] I understand myself and my emotions better.

[I valued] being understood and believed. Not judged.

Being able to think more positively. Learned not to use negative/angry language where possible.

[I valued] being able to open up to someone that's not connected with my family.

[It helped] being able to share my life story and understand how it's changed me in a nice environment, and having someone who listened and helped me understand.

[The counsellor] was never judgemental and always kind.

[Counselling] has helped me work through my own coping mechanisms to strengthen them and develop strategies to help make everyday life easier to confront.

It was nice for me to have someone to talk to who could not just listen but give advice as well. I also was really happy that I learnt more about myself through these sessions.

[In my counselling sessions] I didn't just talk about the "rape". I managed to get other issues out in the open.

[Counselling] has helped me feel a lot more confident in speaking about my problems. I feel more in control of my decisions and understand I can make them.

[I valued] learning to be honest with myself, to become strong and learning to deal with issues rather than bury them away.